Three to try...

Nationwide nosh

AZUR RESTAURANT

8 George’s Quay, Limerick Tel: (061) 314-994 azurerestaurant.ie

In the medieval quarter of Limerick City, not far from the Hunt Museum, Azur is located in a very beautiful corner building. Classical food with a contemporary twist sees confit duck served with pear and apple slaw; scallops come with a black pudding crumble; and there’s a surf ‘n’ turf of crispy pork belly and pan-fried monkfish.

Price: €7-€31 Try: Duck breast with sweet potato puree, pomegranate and cider reduction, and candied plums, €24 Drinks: Cocktails, wine

THE IVY

Dame Street, Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 671-8267 theivydublin.ie

The Ivy is located in the heart of historic Dublin, straddling Parliament Street and Dame Street, and facing City Hall. Now a plush, continental-style city bar, it’s bound to be a hit with tourists visiting Dublin Castle and Christ Church. Excellent casual food with lots of ‘Irish’ tweaks, from chowder to Achill Island lamb stew to posh fish ‘n’ chips.

Price: €5.50-€16 Try: Dublin coddle with Jane Russell sausages, bacon, potato, scallions and Guinness brown bread, €16 Drinks: Cocktails, wine, beer

REPUBLIC BAR & GRILL

Main Street, Ballincollig, Co. Cork Tel: (021) 487-3252 republicbarandgrill.com

A plush, contemporary, new ground-floor bar and upstairs grill restaurant from John and Darina Gately of the Montenotte Hotel and Cork’s former Boardwalk Bar & Grill. In a busy, buzzy community setting, the casual, eclectic food runs the gamut from pizzas, pasta and pies, to Thai curries and steaks, with an extensive wine menu.

Price: €7.50-€25 Try: 6oz Wagyu beef burger — the ultimate ground beef from Macroom, €15.95 Drinks: The works